Beenkeragh

The Coomloughra Horseshoe in Kerry's MacGillycuddy's Reeks is Ireland's great ridge day, and the Beenkeragh Ridge is its crux. The loop takes in all three of Ireland's summits over 1,000 m, Beenkeragh, Carrauntoohil and Caher, with about 1,300 m of ascent in roughly 12 km. The steep, rocky climb to Beenkeragh involves some scrambling, and the narrow crest across to Carrauntoohil has considerable drops on both sides that can unsettle anyone not used to exposure. It earns its place for the sheer scale of the day as much as for the rock: this is a long, committing outing rather than a quick thrill. In wet or windy weather the ridge deserves real care, so keep it for a settled forecast.